How to Make Scented Hand Sanitizer

Last Updated: August 31, 2022 References Approved

Have you always wanted scented hand sanitizer in a particular scent, but couldn't find it? Or have all the ingredients in store-bought sanitizer turned you off? Fortunately, it is easy to make homemade hand sanitizer using either rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Keep in mind that hand sanitizers made from witch hazel are not as effective as those made from rubbing alcohol, and will require specific essential oils with antimicrobial properties.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Rubbing Alcohol

1
Fill a clean bowl with 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) of rubbing alcohol.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Property Hygiene Enabler
Expert Interview. 13 September 2019.} Try to use 99% rubbing alcohol instead of the regular 70%, as it will kill more germs.^{[2]
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Research source}
2
Add 1/3 cup (80 grams) of Aloe Vera gel. This will give the hand sanitizer that gel-like texture. It will also take away some of the harshness of the rubbing alcohol and make it less drying by moisturizing your hands.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jonathan Tavarez
Property Hygiene Enabler
Expert Interview. 13 September 2019.}

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3
Add 8 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. You can use any scent you'd like, but the following scents have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or thieves.^{[4]
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Research source}
4
Stir the ingredients together using a spatula until everything is smooth. There should be no lumps or clumps.
5
Transfer the mixture into a clean bottle, using a funnel to guide you. Try to use a bottle with a pump or squeeze top. Take the cap off and insert the funnel. Pour the mixture through the funnel and into the bottle. Use the spatula to scrape everything out of the bowl.
6
Close the bottle and give it a final shake. Your scented hand sanitizer is now ready to use. The ingredients may settle over time. If this happens, simply give the bottle another shake.
7
Finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Witch Hazel

1
Add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil into a clean bowl. You can use any type you'd like, but the following oils have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or thieves.^{[5]
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Research source}
2
Stir in 30 drops of tea tree essential oil and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of Vitamin E oil. The tea tree oil will act as an antiseptic, while the Vitamin E oil will act as a preservative. It will also leave your hands feeling soft and smooth.^{[6]
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3
Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of witch hazel. This will help kill all of the germs without the harshness of rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind that witch hazel is not as effective as rubbing alcohol; if you'd like something stronger, use a high-proof vodka instead.
4
Add 1 cup (225 grams) of Aloe Vera gel. This will help give your hand sanitizer that gel-like consistency. It will also make it less drying and more moisturizing.
5
Stir the mixture with your spatula until everything is smooth. There should be no lumps or clumps left.
6
Transfer the mixture into a clean bottle with a pump or squeeze top. Take the cap off first, then stick a funnel down into the neck. Pour the mixture into the funnel. Use your spatula to help guide the mixture.
7
Close the bottle, and shake it before using it. Try to use the your sanitizer within a few months. This hand sanitizer is natural and pure, so it does not contain any preservatives.
8
Finished.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I use hand sanitizer?

Jonathan Tavarez
Property Hygiene Enabler
Jonathan Tavarez is the Founder of Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service headquartered in Tampa, Florida catering to residential and commercial clients across the United States. Since 2015, Pro Housekeepers uses rigorous training methodologies to ensure high quality cleaning standards. Jonathan has over five years of professional cleaning experience and has over two years of experience as the Communications Director for the United Nations Association Tampa Bay. Jonathan earned a BS in Management and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2012.

Jonathan Tavarez

Property Hygiene Enabler

Expert Answer

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According to the CDC, the proper way to sanitize your hands is by applying the product to the palm of your hand, enough to cover all surfaces, and rubbing your hands together until they're completely dry.
Question

What percentage of hand sanitizer needs to be alcohol in order for it to be effective?

Jonathan Tavarez
Property Hygiene Enabler
Jonathan Tavarez is the Founder of Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service headquartered in Tampa, Florida catering to residential and commercial clients across the United States. Since 2015, Pro Housekeepers uses rigorous training methodologies to ensure high quality cleaning standards. Jonathan has over five years of professional cleaning experience and has over two years of experience as the Communications Director for the United Nations Association Tampa Bay. Jonathan earned a BS in Management and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2012.

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Hand sanitizer needs to be 60% or higher in alcohol in order to be effective.
Question

Is hand washing or using hand sanitizer more effective at killing germs?

Jonathan Tavarez
Property Hygiene Enabler
Jonathan Tavarez is the Founder of Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service headquartered in Tampa, Florida catering to residential and commercial clients across the United States. Since 2015, Pro Housekeepers uses rigorous training methodologies to ensure high quality cleaning standards. Jonathan has over five years of professional cleaning experience and has over two years of experience as the Communications Director for the United Nations Association Tampa Bay. Jonathan earned a BS in Management and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2012.

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Property Hygiene Enabler

Expert Answer

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Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill all germs, and may not remove harsh chemicals from your hands. Handwashing reduces the amount of all germs and chemicals, and gives you the best chance at preventing illness.

Warnings

Most citrus-based oils will leave your skin sensitive to sunlight. If you decide to use one of these, you'll want to avoid using the hand sanitizer when going outside.

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Essential oils will disintegrate plastic bottles overtime. Consider storing the bulk of your sanitizer in a glass jar, and keeping only what you can use within a week in a smaller plastic bottle.

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